Mr. Taiichi Sato is absorbed in forestry work. “If we diligently maintain and preserve the forests, the smell of the soil will change. All our hard work will pay off, and the forests will change.”

Although he grew up in Sendai, he occasionally visited his father’s parents’ home in Shizugawa. He used to accompany his father to the mountains. The earthquake on March 11 destroyed the family home that had held so many unforgettable memories. Only the mountain, which his ancestors had protected for generations, remained. “I want to protect the mountain.” This thought drove him to work for the forestland. He is trying to obtain the Forest Management Certification (FMC) from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification is given only to forestland that is managed under strict standards such as for sustainable forest management, preservation of biodiversity in forests, and harmonious coexistence with the community and culture. If certified, the lumber produced from the mountain owned by his company will eloquently tell the story of the relationship between the bounties of nature and the people of Minamisanriku.

“Although working in forestry means earning a living, it also involves working to maximize the functions of a natural mountain environment where animals and plants live and directly affects the workings of nature. I feel that I am doing meaningful work,” he says enthusiastically.

Workers at Sakyu Co., Ltd. are working diligently to maintain and preserve the forests of Minamisanriku. They inspect each tree and carry out the heavy labor of cutting branches and occasionally felling trees to thin the forests. The men are passionate about growing good quality Japanese cedar trees. They love these cedar trees of Minamisanriku; it is quite possible that the high quality of Japanese cedar trees in Minamisanriku result from the passion of these men for the trees!
Approximately 70% of Minamisanriku is forestland. In the heart of the forest, learn about forestry through a unique experience of forest thinning and creating crafts from its timber, “Migaki”.